Easy definition of retinol
Form of Vitamin A
Increases the rate at which skin sheds its cells.
Found in foods, dietary supplements and topical application (skincare products)
Main benefits of using retinol
Best ingredient for reversing signs of ageing, skin textures and dullness
Helps to reduce active acne, acne spots, blemishes and pigmentation
What ingredients work best or worst with retinol
To make it easier for you we have compiled a list of ingredients that work best with retinol and others that don’t.
Retinol | Hyaluronic acid |  |
Retinol | Vitamin C |  |
Retinol | Any cold pressed oils(jojoba, argan, passionfruit, apricot kernel) | |
Retinol | Niacinamide | |
Retinol | AHAs(glycolic, malic, mandelic,citric acid) | |
Retinol | BHAs(salicylic acid is the most commonly used in skincare) | |
Why you should know which ingredients work/ don’t work best with retinol?
Skincare costs money and nobody wants to waste money on buying skincare that doesn’t work for them or worst-damage their skin.
It’s always better to know a little bit about what you’re applying on your skin before mindlessly buying anything that is offered on the market.
Let’s deep dive into common skincare ingredients that work best or worst when paired with retinol for better results.
Can I use retinol with Hyaluronic acid?
Short answer is yes.
Long answer is also yes.
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant which means it draws water from the atmosphere into the skin. Something which is needed when using retinol based products. You can first apply your retinol product followed by a hyaluronic acid based serum.
What if you find a retinol cream infused with hyaluronic acid and collagen all in one? Try this
Can I use retinol with Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an amazing ingredient to brighten your complexion on its own but using it together with retinol is not of much use.
Why not to use Retinol & vitamin C together?
Both are active ingredients which means your skin cells will turnover faster than required and this may lead to skin irritation in some people.
Both work on increasing cell turnover ad reducing hyperpigmentation so using them together in the same skincare routine would cancel out each other’s benefits
If you really want to use Vitamin C and retinol in your skincare routine then it’s better to use Vitamin C in the morning(followed by SPF) and retinol at night.
Can I use retinol with niacinamide?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 and helps in building skin barrier. It’s sort of a repair system and is known for its hydration and anti-inflammatory properties.
Harsh retinols with higher percentages, more than 1% or 2% can make your skin inflamed especially if you are a beginner or have sensitive skin. If you’re thinking of incorporating another skincare ingredient with retinol then you can definitely go for niacinamide.
Ingredients that should not be used with retinol
Can I use retinol with salicylic acid (BHA)?
If you have ever experienced acne in your teens then you probably must have heard about salicylic acid. It is the most common type of BHA. Don’t be confused with this term, BHA stands for (beta hydroxy acid) and in simple terms, is a chemical exfoliant.
It’s main function is to increase cell turnover and brush away dead skin cells. Since retinol and salicylic acid are both doing the same job of exfoliation, using them together can be over drying and too harsh on your skin.
Although some may suggest to use retinol and salicylic acid on alternate days but it’s better to skip one when using the other.
Can I use retinol with glycolic acid (AHA)?
Similar to salicylic acid, using retinol in combination with glycolic acid is usually not recommended because it’s also a chemical exfoliant. It’s not wise to use too many chemical exfoliants on your skin at the same time.
Glycolic acid is one type of AHA, there are many others like malic acid, mandelic acid and citric acid to name a few. AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) are not to be scared of because these are very important in deep cleaning your skin pores especially people suffering with cystic acne, whiteheads, blackhead and enlarged pores.
Don’t forget to refer to this list when you’re buying skincare products next time!
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